BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a display apparatus, an information terminal apparatus,
a network system and a network configuring method, and more specifically relates to
an information terminal apparatus, such as a personal computer or the like, a display
apparatus that receives, via a network, information transmitted from the information
terminal apparatus and displays that information, and a network system that sets up
a network between the display apparatus and the information terminal apparatus. Further,
the present invention relates to a method of configuring a network in setting up a
network between the display apparatus and the information terminal apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] In general, as apparatuses for displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as image
display apparatuses), image display apparatuses such as projection display systems
comprised of a predetermined plane of projection (projection screen) and an image
projection apparatus (projector: PJ) that projects and displays an image on the screen,
cathode ray tube (CRT) display apparatuses that display an image using cathode rays,
image display apparatuses that display an image on a liquid crystal display (LCD)
section and the like are known. Such image display apparatuses generally are capable
of receiving image information that is transmitted from an information terminal apparatus,
such as a personal computer, through wire communications or wireless communications,
and of displaying an image corresponding to the received image information.
[0003] In an image display system comprised of an image display apparatus, an information
terminal apparatus and a network based on wire communications or wireless communications,
configuration for network connection becomes necessary in connecting the image display
apparatus and the information terminal apparatus to the network. Several such methods
of configuration for network connection are disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent
Document 2 mentioned below.
[0004] The configuring method disclosed in the Patent Document 1 mentioned below is as follows.
An image display apparatus is provided with an identification symbol generating section,
and projects and displays on a screen the generated identification symbols, such as
an IP address. The user of an information terminal apparatus is able to know the identification
number of the image display apparatus projecting an image onto the screen by looking
at the identification symbols displayed on the screen. Thus, it is possible to transmission
information to that image display apparatus via a network.
[0005] The configuring method disclosed in the Patent Document 2 mentioned below is as follows.
An image display apparatus is provided with a password generating section, and projects
the generated password onto a screen. On the side of a personal computer, the user
enters the password projected onto the screen using a keyboard, and performs an authentication
request for establishing communications. A projector (the image display apparatus)
confirms the password in response to the authentication request from the personal
computer, and stops projecting the password onto the screen once the connection with
the personal computer is established. In addition, the projector projects onto the
screen configuration information for network connection. Among the configuration information,
an encryption key (WEP key) for a method of encrypted communications referred to as
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is also included.
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-123238
Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-69923
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the configuring methods for network connection disclosed in the Patent
Document 1 and the Patent Document 2, in order to achieve network connection, the
user has to configure both the image display apparatus and the information terminal
apparatus upon each connection, for which some degree of knowledge and amount of time
are necessary, and thus, these methods were missing opportunities to be used even
when they were incorporated into commercially sold products.
[0008] In addition, even in cases where they were actually used, it was possible for some
person other than the intended user to obtain the identification number (or password)
for the image display apparatus (projector). Even if the projector was used in some
exclusive space, such as a conference room, and was not accessible to people from
outside, having the identification number (password) be known by someone other than
the intended user is not desirable from a security standpoint. Further, in a worse
case, having the identification number be displayed on the screen at a venue that
is accessible to the public, such as an exhibition, would allow malicious and unauthorized
connection from outside, and make it difficult to ensure the confidentiality of the
data being communicated.
[0009] Particularly, in the Patent Document 2, since the WEP key is also projected onto
the screen, it may lead to allowing unauthorized decryption of the encrypted data
by a malicious third party using the WEP key, and poses a significant security threat.
[0010] The present invention is made in view of the circumstances mentioned above, and seeks
to provide a display apparatus which makes network connection configuration simple,
and which ensures security. In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a
network system which makes network connection configuration for a host information
processing apparatus and an information terminal apparatus simple, and which ensures
security. Further, the present invention seeks to provide a network configuring method
which makes network connection configuration for a host and an information terminal
apparatus simple, and which ensures security.
[0011] In order to solve the problems above, a display apparatus related to the present
invention is a display apparatus including first storage means for storing configuration
information to perform network connection, and a display section, and is comprised
of communications means for performing communications via a network, second storage
means comprised of a non-volatile storage medium and is loadable into an information
terminal apparatus connected to the above-mentioned display apparatus by network connection
via the above-mentioned communications means for storing configuration information
corresponding to the configuration information stored in the above-mentioned first
storage means, and control means for performing configuration so as to enable communications
via the network by reading the configuration information from the above-mentioned
first storage means, and for controlling to output to the above-mentioned display
section information transmitted from the above-mentioned information terminal apparatus
and received via the above-mentioned communications means.
[0012] According to this display apparatus, by storing the configuration information corresponding
to the configuration information for performing network connection stored in the first
storage means in the second storage means comprised of the non-volatile storage medium,
and loading this second storage means into the information terminal apparatus, data
transmitted from the information terminal apparatus and received via the communications
means is outputted to the display section under the control of the control section.
[0013] In order to solve the problems above, an information terminal apparatus related to
the present invention is an information terminal apparatus which includes a display
section and communications means, and which transmits via the above-mentioned communications
means information displayed on the above-mentioned display section to a display apparatus
connected to a network, and is comprised of loading means for loading a non-volatile
storage medium storing configuration information generated in advance from information
unique to the above-mentioned display apparatus, and control means for performing
network connection configuration by reading the above-mentioned configuration information
from the above-mentioned non-volatile storage medium loaded into the above-mentioned
loading means by operation and for performing control so as to output the above-mentioned
information to the above-mentioned communications means.
[0014] According to this information terminal apparatus, the non-volatile storage medium
storing the configuration information generated in advance from the information that
is unique to the display apparatus is loaded into the loading means, the configuration
information is read from the non-volatile storage medium under the control of the
control means as operated, network connection configuration is performed, and information
is outputted to the communications means.
[0015] In order to solve the problems above, a network system related to the present invention
is a network system including a display apparatus and which sets up a network with
an information terminal apparatus, wherein the above-mentioned display apparatus is
comprised of first communications means for performing network connection with the
above-mentioned information terminal apparatus, first storage means for storing configuration
information to perform the above-mentioned network connection, a display section,
control means for performing configuration to make communications via the network
by reading the configuration information from the above-mentioned first storage means
and for transmitting to the display section the information received from the above-mentioned
information terminal apparatus via the above-mentioned first communications means,
and second storage means able to be loaded into the above-mentioned information processing
apparatus and is comprised of a non-volatile storage medium storing configuration
information generated in advance from information unique to the above-mentioned display
apparatus, and wherein the above-mentioned information terminal apparatus is comprised
of a display section, second communications means for transmitting information displayed
on the above-mentioned display section to the display apparatus connected to the network,
loading means for loading the above-mentioned second storage means, and control means
for performing configuration so as to enable communications via the network by detecting
if the above-mentioned second storage means is loaded into the above-mentioned loading
means, and by reading the above-mentioned configuration information from the above-mentioned
second storage means, and for controlling so as to output the above-mentioned information
to the above-mentioned second communications means.
[0016] By storing the configuration information corresponding to the configuration information
for performing network connection stored in the first storage means in the second
storage means comprised of the non-volatile storage medium, and loading this second
storage means into the information terminal apparatus, the display apparatus outputs,
under the control of the control section, to the display section the information transmitted
from the information terminal apparatus and received via the first communications
means. In addition, when the control means detects that the above-mentioned second
storage means is loaded into the leading means, the information terminal apparatus
has the control means read the configuration information from second storage means,
perform configuration so as to enable communications via the network, and transmission
information to the display apparatus via the second communications means.
[0017] In order to solve the problems above, a network configuring method related to the
present invention is a network configuring method for connecting an information terminal
apparatus to a network with respect to a display apparatus, and is comprised of a
step of reading, from a non-volatile storage medium storing configuration information
generated in advance from information unique to the above-mentioned display apparatus,
the above-mentioned configuration information by operation, and a step of performing
network connection configuration based on the above-mentioned configuration information.
[0018] According to this network configuring method, the configuration information is read,
by operation, from the non-volatile storage medium storing the configuration information
generated in advance from the information that is unique to the display apparatus,
and network connection configuration is performed based on the configuration information
that is read.
[0019] According to a display apparatus of the present invention, by storing the configuration
information corresponding to the configuration information for performing network
connection stored in the first storage means in the second storage means comprised
of a non-volatile storage medium, and loading this second storage means into the information
terminal apparatus, information transmitted from the information terminal apparatus
and received via the first communications means is outputted to the display section
under the control of the control section. Thus, network connection configuration is
made simple and security is ensured, while the information transmitted from the information
terminal apparatus can be displayed on the display section.
[0020] According to an information terminal apparatus of the present invention, the non-volatile
storage medium, which stores the configuration information generated in advance from
the information that is unique to the display apparatus, is loaded into the loading
means, the configuration information is read from the non-volatile storage medium
under the control of the control means in accordance with user operation, network
connection configuration is performed, and information is outputted to the communications
means. Thus, network connection configuration is made simple and security is ensured,
while it is possible to transmission information to the display apparatus.
[0021] According to a network system of the present invention, the configuration information
corresponding to the configuration information for performing network connection stored
in the first storage means is stored in the second storage means comprised of the
non-volatile storage medium, and by loading this second storage means into the information
terminal apparatus, the display apparatus is able to output information, which is
transmitted from the information terminal apparatus and received via the first communications
means, to the display section under the control of the control section. In addition,
when the control means detects the loading of the above-mentioned second storage means
into the loading means, the information terminal apparatus is able to have the control
means read the configuration information from the second storage means, perform configuration
so as to enable communications via the network, and transmission information to the
display apparatus via the second communications means. Thus, as a system, it makes
network connection configuration simple and ensures security, while making it possible
to transmission information from the information terminal apparatus to the display
apparatus and display it on the display section.
[0022] According to a network configuring method of the present invention, the configuration
information is read, as operated, from the non-volatile storage medium storing the
configuration information generated in advance from the information that is unique
to the display apparatus, and network connection configuration is performed based
on the configuration information that is read. Thus, the network connection configuration
for the display apparatus and the information terminal apparatus is made simple, and
security is ensured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of an image display system;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a display apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information
terminal apparatus;
FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of software used by a projector of a display
apparatus and an information terminal apparatus (PC);
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of configuration information;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a display apparatus;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information terminal
apparatus;
FIG. 8 is a basic configuration diagram of an image display system comprised of a
plurality of information terminal apparatuses and one display apparatus;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of an image display system to which the
present invention is applied;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of configuration information used in the other
example shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 shows yet another example of an image display system to which the present
invention is applied;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of configuration information used in the other
example shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a basic configuration diagram of an image display system comprised of a
plurality of display apparatuses and one information terminal apparatus; and
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display apparatus selection list displayed on a display
section of an information terminal apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference
to the drawings. These embodiments are image display systems serving as examples of
a network system including examples of a display apparatus and an information terminal
apparatus of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an image display system 10.
The image display system 10 is a system in which a wireless network is set up by connecting
a display apparatus 1 and an information terminal apparatus 2 to a wireless communications
channel. It is to be noted that the image display system 10 is merely an example,
and the configuration of the present invention is not to be limited by this one example.
There may be just one information terminal apparatus, or there may be several of them.
A configuration in which several information terminal apparatuses are provided will
be described later.
[0026] The wireless communications channel is one that utilizes a transmission path other
than a wire cable, such as radio waves and infrared rays. For example, there are wireless
communications, such as those for Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless
communications, which utilize the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical)
band which is the same as that adopted in wireless LAN (WLAN) communications compliant
with the IEEE 802.11 specifications. These are referred to as Bluetooth. In addition,
there are those based on IrDA (Infrared Data Association), which is a specification
for infrared data communications.
[0027] The display apparatus 1 is comprised of a screen 5, which is an example of a display
section, and an image projection apparatus (projector) 60 that projects an image 55
onto a display screen 50 of the screen 5. A communications module 40, such as a wireless
connection module, for example, is inserted into a slot 60a on the projector 60. This
communications module 40 is for communicating with the information terminal apparatus
2, and is used for transmitting and receiving request signals, response signals, rejection
signals and the like for connecting or disconnecting. In addition, the module 40 is
used for receiving image information that is sent from the information terminal apparatus
2 via the wireless network.
[0028] The information terminal apparatus 2 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC).
A communications module 44, such as a wireless connection module, is also attached
to the body of the information terminal apparatus 2 via a slot. This communications
module 44 is also used for transmitting and receiving request signals, response signals,
rejection signals and the like for the connection and disconnection of communications
with the communications module 40 of the projector 60. In addition, it is also used
for transmitting image information to the projector 60. Needless to say, so long as
the information terminal apparatus is capable of having communications means, such
as the above-mentioned communications module 44, mounted thereon and has functions
of transmitting images, it need not be a PC. For example, it may be a portable information
terminal (PDA), a mobile phone, a digital camera and the like.
[0029] In addition, the description above refers only to image information as the subject
of transmission, but it is not limited thereto, and other data and document files
may also be transmitted instead of image information.
[0030] The information terminal apparatus 2, for example, encrypts image information corresponding
to an image 35 displayed on a display section 21, and transmits it to the projector
60 of the display apparatus 1 through the communications module 44. The projector
60 receives, through the communications module 40, the above-mentioned encrypted image
information wirelessly transmitted from the information terminal apparatus 2 via the
above-mentioned wireless communications channel and projects it onto the display screen
50 of the screen 5 as an enlarged image 55 after converting it into decrypted image
information.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the display apparatus
1. The display apparatus 1 is comprised of the screen 5 and the projector 60. The
projector 60 is comprised of a first storage section 63 storing configuration information
for performing network connection, the communications module 40 for performing communications
via the network, a control section 61 that reads the configuration information from
the first storage section 63 and performs configuration so as to enable communications
via the network, a selecting section 69, and an image signal output section 65. In
addition, the display apparatus 1 may come with a second storage section 45 for the
information terminal apparatus 2 to be connected to the network. The second storage
section 45 is comprised of a non-volatile storage medium, is loadable into the information
terminal apparatus 2 to be connected to the network via the communications module
40 and stores configuration information corresponding to the configuration information
stored in the first storage section 63.
[0032] The control section 61 performs control so as have the image information, which is
transmitted from the information terminal apparatus 2 connected to the network and
received via the communications module 40, be outputted to the screen 5, and hands
it over to the image signal output section 65. The image signal output section 65
is controlled by the control section 61, generates image signals based on the above-mentioned
image information, and hands them over to the screen 5. The screen 5 displays an image
based on the image signals generated by the image signal output section 65 under the
control of the control section 61.
[0033] The selecting section 69 selects, as operated by the user, key points and selection
points on the image displayed on the screen 5.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the information
terminal apparatus 2. The information terminal apparatus includes the display section
21 and the communications module 44, and transmits, via the communications module
44, image information corresponding to an image displayed on the display section 21
to the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 connected to the wireless network.
[0035] The information terminal apparatus 2 is therefore comprised of a loading section
26 for having the second storage section 45, which is a non-volatile storage medium
and which stores configuration information that is generated in advance from information
that is unique to the display apparatus 1, loaded, and a control section 20 which,
as operated by the user, reads the above-mentioned configuration information from
the second storage section 45 loaded into the loading section 26, performs wireless
network connection configuration, while performing control so as to output the above-mentioned
image information to the communications module 44.
[0036] Specifically, the control section 20 detects the loading of the second storage section
45 into the loading section 26, reads the configuration information from the second
storage section 45, performs configuration so as to enable communications via the
wireless network, and outputs, to the communications module 44, the image information
selected through an input operation section 22 and displayed on the display section
21.
[0037] Once communications with the display apparatus 1 via the wireless network becomes
possible under the control of the control section 20, the communications module 44,
as described above, transmits the same image information as the image information
displayed on the display section 21 to the communications module 40 of the display
apparatus 1.
[0038] The display apparatus 1, whose configuration is shown schematically in FIG. 2, and
the information terminal apparatus 2, whose configuration is shown schematically in
FIG. 3, adopt a hardware configuration that centers around a CPU (Central Processing
Unit) as will be described later. A system configuration of software that is necessary
for the hardware configuration of the display apparatus 1 and the information terminal
apparatus 2 is shown in FIG. 4. It is used in performing wireless network connection
configuration, or in transmitting and receiving image information and other control
signals and the like via the wireless network.
[0039] The display apparatus 1 has, in advance at the time of shipment, a connection application
41 for network connection, a driver 42 for driving the wireless connection module,
and configuration information 43 for network connection written within a ROM 63, which
will be described later. In addition, the display apparatus 1 comes with the wireless
connection module 40 as an accessory.
[0040] This wireless connection module 40 may be of a CF (Compact Flash) card type including
an antenna and a transmission/reception chip, and may be used by inserting it into
the dedicated slot 60a provided on the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1. More
specifically, transmission data is sent from a CPU described later to a baseband processing
section via a communications control section or an I/F section, signal processed at
the baseband processing section, impressed upon a carrier wave at an RF processing
section, and wirelessly transmitted to a device in its vicinity from the wireless
communications antenna. On the other hand, radio waves wirelessly transmitted from
devices in the vicinity are communicated to the CPU described later via the communications
control section or the I/F section after being received by the local wireless communications
antenna, having signals extracted at the RF processing section, and being signal processed
at the baseband signal processing section.
[0041] The connection application 41 is executed by the CPU described later and carries
out connection to the wireless network and the transfer of images using the driver
42 and the configuration information 43.
[0042] The display apparatus 1 may come with the wireless connection module 44 of a USB
(Universal Serial Bus) type for the information terminal apparatus 2 to be connected
to the network, and which has functions similar to those of the wireless connection
module 40. In addition, the display apparatus 1 may come with a USB memory 45 in which
a connection application 46, a driver 47 and configuration information 48 similar
to the above-mentioned connection application 41, driver 42 and configuration information
43 are stored.
[0043] In order to connect the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 and the information
terminal apparatus 2 to the wireless network, the user clicks on a set-up file with
a mouse after inserting the USB memory 45 into the loading section 26 of the information
terminal apparatus 2. As a result, an installer will automatically be activated on
the information terminal apparatus 2, and the connection application 46, the driver
47 and the configuration information 48 will automatically be stored in its HDD (Hard
Disk Drive). Then, if the user inserts the wireless connection module 44 into the
USB jack (slot) on the information terminal apparatus 2, connection configuration
for the wireless network will be completed, and transmission and reception of data
with the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 that is already running will be carried
out via the wireless network.
[0044] The configuration information 43 and 48 are configuration information for carrying
out wireless network connection. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration
information 43 and 48. Configuration information items 7 and configuration information
contents 8 are shown. Network mode of the configuration information items 7 is configuration
information that differentiates between a mode for connecting to an access point (access
point connection mode) and a mode for connecting one-on-one with a given device (ad
hoc mode). For the kind of connection shown in FIG. 1, this item is set to ad hoc
mode. Network name (SSID) is the name of the network, and is a unique name for the
display apparatus 1. Here, it is PJ-005. A reference "005" is a serial number. Network
channel indicates the frequency band used. For example, it may be a channel varying
from "1" and "11." Encryption of data (WEP) is information specifying the method of
encryption for protecting data from any risk of interception since the present system
constitutes a wireless network. The network mode, network name, network channel and
method of data encryption mentioned above are information relating to the configuration
of the wireless connection modules 40 and 44.
[0045] In addition, IP address (Internet Protocol Address) of the configuration information
items 7 would normally represent a series of numbers corresponding to the address
of a computer connected to the Internet. Here, it indicates the addresses, within
the network, of the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 and of the information
terminal apparatus 2. For example, in the configuration information 48 for the information
terminal apparatus 2, it would be auto IP (DHCP). The display apparatus 1 is not a
DHCP server of the wireless network, but since there is no configuration item corresponding
to auto IP to begin with, by setting it to DHCP, a flow is established where a DHCP
server is searched for, and once it is identified that there is none, auto IP operates.
Subnet mask is a bit string for dividing subnets in an IP network. A network address
is obtained by a logical AND operation of an IP address and a subnet mask.
[0046] With respect to the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1, the configuration information
43 is already stored in the ROM 63 along with the connection application 41 and the
driver 42 at the time of purchase of the projector 60. With respect to the information
terminal apparatus 2, the configuration information 48, as described above, is installed
in the HDD or the like from the USB memory 45 along with the connection application
46 and the driver 47.
[0047] Of these configuration information 43 and configuration information 48, information
necessary for wireless network connection, that is, information relating to the configuration
of the wireless connection modules 40 and 44, is created from information unique to
the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1, for example, its serial number and the
like. For example, the network name "PJ-005" shown in the above-mentioned FIG. 5 is
created from the serial number "00005" that is unique to the projector 60 of the display
apparatus 1. In addition, "382654...," which is the data encryption method (WEP),
is also a 128-bit encryption key generated from the above-mentioned unique serial
number.
[0048] Summarizing the above, the network name and the data encryption key in the configuration
information 43 and 48 are determined from information unique to the projector 60 of
the display apparatus 1, and these information, along with other configuration information,
are, at the time of factory shipment, written in the ROM 63 within the projector 60
of the display apparatus 1 and in the USB memory 45.
[0049] What is characteristic about this image display system 10 is the fact that the USB
memory 45 and the wireless connection module 44 for the information terminal apparatus
2 are included with the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 at the time of purchase.
Needless to say, the user may also purchase the USB module and the wireless connection
module at a later date. Of the configuration information 48 pre-stored in the USB
memory 45, the information relating to the configuration of the wireless connection
module 44 shown in FIG. 5 is generated from information that is unique to the projector
60 of the display apparatus 1.
[0050] Thus, by simply inserting the USB memory 45, which is included at the time of purchase,
into the loading section 26 of the information terminal apparatus 2, carrying out
a predetermined installation operation, and inserting the wireless connection module
44 into a predetermined slot, the user of the projector 60 of the display apparatus
1 is able to connect the display apparatus 1 and the information terminal apparatus
2 to the wireless network.
[0051] In addition, of the configuration information shown in FIG. 5, the network name and
WEP key, which are information necessary for wireless network connection, are, in
particular, generated in advance from the serial number unique to the projector 60
of the display apparatus 1. Also, by using the configuration method mentioned above,
they are automatically set in the information terminal apparatus 2, and thus, no display
on the screen 5 is necessary as is conventional. For this reason, since the configuration
information is not exposed to a third party, unauthorized entry into or attacks on
the network by third parties can be prevented, and, naturally, since unauthorized
decryption of encrypted data can also be prevented, security is ensured.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the display apparatus 1.
The read only memory (ROM) 63 and a random access memory (RAM) 64 are connected to
a CPU 61 via a bus 62. In addition, the image signal output section 65 that projects
image signals onto the screen 5, an I/F (Interface) 66, such as PCMCIA (Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association), that interfaces the wireless connection module
40, and further a remote control optical receiver section 68 are also connected to
the CPU 61 via the bus 62. The remote control optical receiver section 68 receives
remote control signals from a remote controller 69.
[0053] The screen 5 is comparable to the screen 5 shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, the wireless
connection module 40 is an example of the communications module 40 shown in FIG. 2.
The ROM 63 or the RAM 64 is an example of the first storage section 63 shown in FIG.
2, and stores, already at the time of shipment, the connection application 41, the
driver 42 and the configuration information 43. Similarly, the CPU 61 is an example
of the control section 61, and reads from the ROM 63, which is the first storage section,
the above-mentioned configuration information and performs configuration so as to
enable communications via the network. In addition, the CPU 61 performs control so
as to output image information, which is transmitted from the information terminal
apparatus 2 connected to the network and received via the wireless connection module
40, to the screen 5, and hands it over to the image signal output section 65. The
image signal output section 65 is controlled by the CPU 61, generates image signals
based on the above-mentioned image data, and hands them over to the screen 5. The
screen 5 displays an image based on the image signals generated by the image signal
output section 65 under the control of the CPU 61. In the RAM 64, various data processed
by the CPU 61 are temporarily stored.
[0054] The remote controller 69 is an example of the selecting section 69 shown in FIG.
2, and selects, as operated by the user, key points and selection points on the image
displayed on the screen 5. In addition, using the remote controller 69, operations
such as wireless network connection configuration, switching between connection and
disconnection with the information terminal apparatus, and so forth may be performed.
[0055] As described above, since the remote control optical receiver section 68 is provided
on the display apparatus 1, infrared remote control signals from the remote controller
69 can be received.
[0056] In accordance with remote control signals received by the remote control optical
receiver section 68, the CPU 61 references, for example, a data table, which is stored
in the ROM 63 or the RAM 64, for interpreting the remote control signals and interprets
commands.
[0057] In addition, when operations for switching or disconnecting the information terminal
apparatus are performed by the user using the remote controller 69, the CPU 61 interprets
the command, generates the respective transmission signals corresponding to the command,
and sends them to the wireless connection module 44 of the appropriate information
terminal apparatus from the wireless connection module 40 via the I/F 66. Thus, the
switching and disconnecting of the information terminal apparatus become possible
through operations on the side of the display apparatus 1.
[0058] In addition, the remote controller 69 is capable of controlling, through remote operations
and through the display apparatus 1, the fast forwarding/rewinding of the image displayed
on the display section of the selected and connected information terminal apparatus
2. In this case, too, when the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 receives the
infrared remote control signal from the remote controller 69 through the remote control
optical receiver section 68, the CPU 61 references, for example, the table, which
is stored in the ROM 63 or the RAM 64, for interpreting the remote control signals
and interprets the command, the CPU 61 generates the respective transmission control
data corresponding to the command, and sends the respective transmission control data
from the wireless connection module 40 to the wireless connection module 44 of the
information terminal apparatus 2 via the I/F 66. The information terminal apparatus
2 interprets the control data, which is received through the wireless connection module
44, for fast forwarding/rewinding images and fast forwards/rewinds the image information
displayed on its display section. In conjunction therewith, the image projected onto
the screen 5 of the display apparatus 1 is also fast forwarded/rewound.
[0059] With the remote controller 69, it is further possible to perform such control as
making the screen 5 of the display apparatus 5 black. In addition, the remote controller
69 may be given laser pointer functions.
[0060] In addition, the process of fast forwarding/rewinding the image on the information
terminal apparatus 2, the function of performing the control whereby the screen 5
is turned black, and the laser pointer function may be isolated from the remote controller
69 to provide a dedicated presentation tool.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information terminal
apparatus 2. A hard disk drive (HDD) 24 and a random access memory (RAM) 25 are connected
to a CPU 20 via a bus 23. In addition, a USB I/F 26 for interfacing the USB memory
45 and an I/F 28 for interfacing the wireless connection module 44 are connected to
the CPU 20 via the bus 23. Further, an LCD controller 30 for controlling a liquid
crystal display apparatus LCD 21, which is the above-mentioned display section of
its own, and an I/F 31 for interfacing the input operation section 22 such as a keyboard
or a mouse are connected to the CPU 20 via the bus 23.
[0062] When a connection request signal or a transmission signal for disconnection is sent
from the side of the display apparatus 1, at the information terminal apparatus 2,
each transmission signal received by the wireless connection module 44 is handed over
to the CPU 20 via the I/F 28, and is processed by the CPU 20. The processing of transmission
signals to the display apparatus 1 from the information terminal apparatus 2 is performed
in a similar fashion.
[0063] Below, with respect to the image display system 10 comprised of the display apparatus
1 of the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 6 and the information terminal apparatus
2 of the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 7, operations from the configuration
for connecting to the wireless network to the displaying of the image from the information
terminal apparatus 2 on the screen 5 by the display apparatus 1 are described. These
are operations from after the user purchases the display apparatus 1 and up to where
a wireless network with the information terminal apparatus 2 s/he already owns is
set up, and image transfer is made possible.
[0064] First, the user loads the USB memory 45, which comes with the display apparatus 1,
into the loading section 26 of the information terminal apparatus 2. Interfaced by
the USB I/F 26, an installation program retrieved by the CPU 20 via the bus 23 is
displayed on the LCD 21 through the LCD controller 30. The user activates the installation
program using the input operation section 22 such as a mouse. As prompted by the installation
program, the user chooses between YES and NO, in response to which the program proceeds,
and the connection application 46, the driver 47 and the configuration information
48 in FIG. 4, which are already stored in the USB memory 45, are installed in the
HDD 24.
[0065] Of the configuration information 48, information necessary for wireless network connection,
that is, information relating to the configuration of the wireless connection module
44, is created from information unique to the display apparatus 1, for example, its
serial number and the like. For example, the network name "PJ-005" shown in FIG. 5
is created from the serial number "00005" that is unique to the display apparatus
1. In addition, "382654...," which is the data encryption method (WEP), is also a
128-bit encryption key generated from the above-mentioned unique serial number. In
addition to these configuration information, network mode, network channel, the IP
address (IP address) and subnet mask of the information terminal apparatus, which
are shown in FIG. 5, are also set automatically.
[0066] Next, when the user inserts the wireless connection module 44 into the predetermined
slot, communications with the display apparatus 1 are begun under the control of the
CPU 20 via the I/F 28.
[0067] Since the connection application 41, the driver 42 and the configuration information
43 are already stored, at the time of shipment, in the ROM 63 of the display apparatus
1, the display apparatus 1 is able to communicate with the information terminal apparatus
2 via its own wireless connection module 40.
[0068] The information terminal apparatus 2 encrypts, for example, image information corresponding
to the image displayed on the LCD 21 using the WEP key "382654..." and transmits it
to the display apparatus 1 from the wireless connection module 44. The display apparatus
1 receives through the wireless connection module 40 the above-mentioned encrypted
image information wirelessly transmitted from the information terminal apparatus 2
via the wireless communications path, decrypts it using the WEP key generated from
the unique serial number and stored in the ROM 63, and projects it onto the display
screen 50 of the screen 5 as the enlarged image 55 after converting it into image
information at the image signal output section 65.
[0069] Thus, by simply inserting the USB memory 45, which comes with the display apparatus
1 at the time of purchase, into the loading section 26 of the information terminal
apparatus 2, performing a predetermined installation operation, and inserting the
wireless connection module 44 into the predetermined slot, the user of the display
apparatus 1 is able to connect the display apparatus 1 and the information terminal
apparatus 2 to the wireless network. The wireless network connection configuration
can be performed easily by using the configuring method of the present invention.
[0070] In addition, of the configuration information shown in FIG. 5, the network name and
WEP key, which are information necessary for wireless network connection, are, in
particular, generated in advance from the serial number unique to the display apparatus
1. Also, by using the configuration method mentioned above, they are automatically
set in the information terminal apparatus 2, and thus, no display on the screen 5
is necessary as is conventional. For this reason, since the configuration information
is not exposed to a third party, unauthorized entry into or attacks on the network
by third parties can be prevented, and, naturally, since unauthorized decryption of
encrypted data can also be prevented, security is ensured.
[0071] It is to be noted that although the configuration of the image display system 10
shown in FIG. 1 is such that for the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 one information
terminal apparatus 2 is connected to the wireless network, the present invention may
just as well be applied to a system in which a plurality of information terminal apparatuses
are connected, for the display apparatus 1, to the wireless network.
[0072] For example, if a user, using the remote controller 69, selects the desired information
terminal apparatus and requests connection, the CPU 61 generates a connection request
signal with respect to the selected information terminal apparatus, and sends it to
the wireless connection module 44 of the appropriate information terminal apparatus
from the wireless connection module 40 via the I/F 66. Thus, it becomes possible to
configure wireless network connection.
[0073] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an image display system 10 in which a plurality
of information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B, 2C and the display apparatus 1 are connected
to a wireless network. The information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C all share
a configuration similar to that of the information terminal apparatus 2 described
with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, and each is connected to the wireless network
based on a configuring method of the present invention. It is assumed that the USB
memories 45 and the wireless connection modules 44 for the information terminal apparatuses
2A, 2B and 2C come with the projector 60. Naturally, the user may also purchase these
USB memories and wireless connection modules at a later date. Of the configuration
information 48 pre-stored in the plurality of USB memories 45, all of the information
relating to the configuration of the wireless connection module 44 shown in FIG. 5
is generated from information unique to the display apparatus 1. Therefore, for the
plurality of information terminal apparatuses, information relating to the configuration
of the wireless connection modules 44 would be the same. Of the configuration information
48, the remaining IP address and subnet mask of the information terminal apparatuses
are data unique to each information terminal apparatus. The projector 60 has a fixed
IP address, but as for the plurality of information terminal apparatuses, by virtue
of the auto IP function, IP addresses are allocated automatically. When the IP address
changes, the subnet mask automatically changes as well.
[0074] Thus, by simply inserting the plurality of USB memories 45, which are included at
the time of purchase, into the respective loading section 26 of the plurality of information
terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C, carrying out a predetermined installation operation,
and inserting the plurality of wireless connection modules 44 into the respective
slots, the user of the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 may connect the projector
60 of the display apparatus 1 and the plurality of information terminal apparatuses
2A, 2B and 2C to the wireless network. Therefore, configuration for wireless network
connection can be performed with ease by using a configuring method of the present
invention.
[0075] In addition, of the configuration information shown in FIG. 5, the network name and
WEP key, which are information necessary for wireless network connection, are, in
particular, generated in advance from the serial number unique to the projector 60
of the display apparatus 1. Also, by using the configuration method mentioned above,
they are automatically set in the plurality of information terminal apparatuses 2A,
2B and 2C, and thus, no display on the screen is necessary as is conventional. For
this reason, since the configuration information is not exposed to a third party,
unauthorized entry into or attacks on the network by third parties can be prevented,
and, naturally, since unauthorized decryption of encrypted data can also be prevented,
security is ensured.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of an image display system 10 to which
the present invention is applied. This other image display system 10 is a system in
which the display apparatus 1 and the information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and
2C are connected to a wireless network via an access point 3 compliant with IEEE 802.11b.
Each of the information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C has a configuration similar
to the information terminal apparatus 2 described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
7, and is connected through a LAN 4.
[0077] Of the configuration information 48 pre-stored in the plurality of USB memories 45,
all information relating to the configuration of the access point 3 is generated from
information that is unique to the display apparatus 1. Therefore, information relating
to the configuration of the access point 3 would be the same for the plurality of
information terminal apparatuses.
[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration information 43 and 48
for a case of access point connection. In this case, the configuration information
contents differ from that shown in FIG. 5 in that the network mode is access point
connection. The remaining configuration information contents 8 for the configuration
information items 7 are similar to those in FIG. 5. Network mode, network name, network
channel, data encryption method are information relating to network configuration
via an access point.
[0079] To summarize the above, in the other example of the image display system 10 shown
in FIG. 9, too, the network name and the data encryption key in the configuration
information 43 and 48 are determined from information unique to the projector 60 of
the display apparatus 1, and these information are, along with the other configuration
information, written in the ROM 43 within the projector 60 of the display apparatus
and in the USB memories 45.
[0080] What is characteristic about this other example of the image display system 10 is
the fact that the USB memories 45 for the information terminal apparatuses 2 come
with the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1 at the time of purchase. Needless
to say, the user may purchase the USB memories 45 at a later date. Of the configuration
information 48 pre-stored in the USB memories 45, the information relating to access
point connection configuration shown in FIG. 10 is generated from information unique
to the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1.
[0081] Thus, in this other example, too, by simply inserting the plurality of USB memories
45, which are included at the time of purchase, into the respective loading sections
26 of the plurality of information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C, carrying out
a predetermined installation operation, and inserting the plurality of wireless connection
modules 44 into the respective slots, the user of the projector 60 of the display
apparatus 1 is able to connect the display apparatus 1 and the plurality of information
terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C to the network.
[0082] In addition, of the configuration information shown in FIG. 10, the network name
and WEP key, in particular, are generated in advance from the serial number unique
to the projector 60 of the display apparatus 1. Also, by using the configuration method
mentioned above, they are automatically set in the plurality of information terminal
apparatuses, and thus, no display on the screen 5 is necessary as is conventional.
Thus, since the configuration information is not exposed to a third party, unauthorized
entry into or attacks on the network by third parties can be prevented, and, naturally,
since unauthorized decryption of encrypted data can also be prevented, security is
ensured.
[0083] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of yet another image display system to which
the present invention is applied. This other example of an image display system is
a system in which the display apparatus 1 and the information terminal apparatuses
2A, 2B and 2C are connected to a network by a wire LAN 4. The information terminal
apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C all share a configuration similar to that of the information
terminal apparatus 2 described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7.
[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration information 43 and 48
in the case of the above-mentioned other example of an image display system where
connection is based on a wire LAN. In the configuration information of this case,
network mode, network name, network channel and data encryption method are left unspecified.
IP address and subnet mask are set as in the configuration information contents 8
shown in FIG. 12.
[0085] IP address (Internet Protocol Address) of the configuration information items 7 represents
a series of numbers corresponding to the address of a computer connected to the Internet,
and indicates the addresses, within the network, of the projector 60 of the display
apparatus 1 and of the information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B and 2C. For example,
in the configuration information 48 for the information terminal apparatuses 2A, 2B
and 2C, it would be auto IP (DHCP). The display apparatus 1 is not a DHCP server of
the network, but since there is no configuration item corresponding to auto IP to
begin with, by setting it to DHCP, a flow is established where a DHCP server is searched
for, and once it is identified that there is none, auto IP operates. Subnet mask is
a bit string for dividing subnets in an IP network. A network address is obtained
by a logical AND operation of an IP address and a subnet mask.
[0086] Further, the present invention may also be applied to an image display system, such
as the one shown in FIG. 13, in which one information terminal apparatus 2 switches
between a plurality of display apparatuses 1A and 1B for wireless network connection.
Specifically, this may be a case where a different display apparatus 1B is newly purchased
at a later date in addition to a display apparatus 1A that is already owned. Assuming
that the user wants to connect with the display apparatus 1B, in order to alter wireless
network connection, by entering information unique to the display apparatus 1B (such
as its serial number) through the connection application 46, the display apparatus
to be connected can be changed.
[0087] By connecting the USB memory 45 that comes with the newly purchased display apparatus
1B and performing installation, and then connecting a WL module 44, which is also
included, the information terminal apparatus 2 becomes wirelessly network connected
to the display apparatus 1B. However, it becomes unable to connect with the display
apparatus 1A already owned.
[0088] A serial number unique to the new display apparatus 1B is entered through the information
terminal apparatus 2 by way of the connection application. As a result, configuration
information for the new display apparatus 1B is added to the appropriate section of
the already configured configuration information. Of the configuration information
shown in FIG. 5, in particular, information that is necessary for wireless network
connection, such as network name, network channel, data encryption (WEP) type and
the like are additionally set in accordance with the above-mentioned serial number
unique to the new display apparatus 1B that has been entered. Thus, even if a plurality
of display apparatuses 1A and 1B exist, because each network name is a name that is
unique to each display apparatus, no connection confusion arises for the information
terminal apparatus 2. In addition, since a different WEP key is used for each display
apparatus, interception is made difficult.
[0089] Then, a display apparatus selection list 80, such as the one shown in FIG. 14, is
displayed on the LCD 21 of the information terminal apparatus 2. At first, only the
display apparatus 1A that is already owned is displayed. In order for the user to
add the new display apparatus 1B, the add button is pressed in the connection application,
and the guidance "please enter the serial number" is displayed. Then, once the user
enters the serial number of the new display apparatus 1B, the connection application
creates the above-mentioned network name, network channel, data encryption (WEP) type
and the like, and adds them to the above-mentioned configuration information 48. When
this series of processes is finished, the display apparatus 1B is additionally displayed
on the selection list 80. If the user selects a selection check section 81B by clicking
on it with a mouse, the information terminal apparatus 2 is wirelessly network connected
to the selected display apparatus 1B. Naturally, the above-mentioned network name,
network channel, data encryption (WEP) type and the like, which are created by the
connection application based on the information unique to the new display apparatus
1B entered by the user, coincide with the configuration information 43 written in
the ROM 63 within the display apparatus 1B.
[0090] Thus, even in a case where the new display apparatus 1B is added, by simply entering
information unique to the display apparatus 1B as prompted by the connection application,
the user is able to change the display apparatus to be wirelessly network connected.
In this case, too, since the configuration information is not exposed to a third party,
unauthorized entry into or attacks on the network by third parties can be prevented,
and, naturally, since unauthorized decryption of encrypted data can also be prevented,
security is ensured.
[0091] In addition, in the embodiments above, the WL module 44 and the USB memory 45 for
the information terminal apparatus 2 were made separate, but by integrating them,
operations for connecting with the information terminal apparatus 2 can be made simpler.
In addition, since this means the configuration information will be stored in the
WL module, the user will be able to change the display apparatus to be wirelessly
network connected by simply changing the WL module.
[0092] In addition, a configuring method of the present invention can be applied even in
cases where the above-mentioned information terminal apparatus is already connected
to some other network, such as a wire LAN, or a wireless LAN via an access point.
In such cases, since the information terminal apparatus 2 will have two IP addresses,
the information terminal apparatus 2 will be wirelessly network connected with the
display apparatus 1 when the above-mentioned WL module 44 is inserted.
[0093] In addition, the present invention may be used to set the configuration in connecting,
as the information terminal apparatus, a portable information terminal (PDA) or some
other information terminal apparatus besides a personal computer, to a wireless network.
In addition, the present invention may be applied in cases where information terminal
apparatuses are mutually connected to a wireless network, or it may be applied to
other products forming a wireless network with an information terminal apparatus.
[0094] Since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms
have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all
respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated
by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes
which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended
to be embraced therein.